Mastering Outdoor Noise: Tips for Hospitality Venues

Published: 24 April 2024

Maximise Your Venue's Outdoor Appeal While Keeping Peace with Neighbours
If you manage a venue with a beer garden or outdoor dining area, it's crucial to balance customer enjoyment with community peace, especially as warmer weather approaches. Effective noise control can prevent conflicts with nearby residents.

Considerate Use of Outdoor Spaces Essential
Even in the absence of explicit restrictions, venues should consider the impact of their outdoor activities on local residents. It's advisable to conclude any noisy outdoor activity by 11 pm in residential areas to avoid disturbances.

Staff Training and Customer Management Key
Training staff to handle noise and manage outdoor customer activities is vital. Use signs in outdoor areas to remind patrons to keep noise levels respectful.

Proactive Communication Fosters Goodwill
Keeping local residents informed about potential noisy events and providing a contact number for complaints can enhance neighbour relations. Monitoring the impact of your venue's noise and adjusting accordingly is also recommended.

After-Hours Considerations
When cleaning up, ensure activities like disposing of bottles are conducted quietly to avoid late-night disturbances. It's also important to manage other potential nuisances such as lighting and smoke from outdoor heating or cooking.

Guidance and Compliance
Following these guidelines should mitigate noise complaints, but the Environmental Health and Community Safety Team will intervene if issues persist. Venues might face formal actions if disturbances continue.

For further assistance, venues are encouraged to visit our website: exeter.gov.uk/clean-safe-city/environmental-health/pollution-control/noise-control-in-outside-spaces-guidance-for-the-hospitality-industry/